Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved a significant reshuffle involving 20 positions within the Ministry of Interior, effective from October 1, 2026. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, previously the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, has been appointed as the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet meeting held on August 25 approved the list of appointments and transfers of high-ranking officials under the Ministry of Interior, as proposed by the Ministry itself. The list is set to be submitted to His Majesty the King for royal approval. The appointments cover various levels, including Deputy Permanent Secretary, Director-General, Inspector-General, and Provincial Governor, aimed at filling vacant positions.
The reshuffle includes key appointments such as Mr. Somchai Leelanoi, formerly the Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, now appointed as the Director-General of the Department of Land. Meanwhile, Mr. Piya Pijanam, the former Governor of Buriram Province, is now the Director-General of the Department of Local Administration.
The new Deputy Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Interior include Mr. Chamroen Wanphet, previously the Governor of Surin Province, Mr. Rattapol Naradisorn from Chiang Mai Province, Mr. Anupong Suksomnit from Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and Ms. Arocha Nanthamontri from Nakhon Pathom Province.
At the Provincial Governor level, notable appointments include Mr. Montsit Paisalthanawat, who has been transferred from Chanthaburi Province to Chachoengsao Province, and Ms. Chatpra-orn Niyom, moving from Chachoengsao Province to Trat Province. Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalaksam has been appointed as the Governor of Tak Province, transitioning from his role as Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.
This reshuffle is part of the government's strategy to enhance administrative efficiency and ensure effective governance across various regions of the country.